A choledochal cyst is a congenital anomaly of the duct (tube) that transports bile from the liver to the gall bladder and small intestine. The liver produces bile to help digest food. When a patient has a choledochal cyst, a swelling of that duct, bile may back up in the liver. This can cause liver problems or inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) because it blocks the main duct from the pancreas gland to the intestine. Patient with choledochal cysts have a higher rate of cancer of the bile duct in adulthood. Early treatment can reduce these risks.
Types and locations of choledochal cysts
Choledochal cysts can form in the part of the bile duct inside of the liver (intrahepatic) or outside the liver (extrahepatic).
There are four basic types of choledochal cysts based on where they appear:
Laparoscopic Choledochal Cysts Excision is done through small incisions using miniaturized surgical tools and cameras or telescopes. Laparoscopy usually results in less pain, less scarring and a quicker recovery time. The instruments are manipulated by the surgeon who controls their movements, while watching them on a video screen.
